How board percentage is calculated
Your overall percentage is simply the total marks you obtained divided by the total maximum marks, multiplied by 100:
Percentage = (total marks obtained ÷ total maximum marks) × 100
The tricky part is not the arithmetic but deciding which subjects to include. Boards such as CBSE do not declare an aggregate percentage on the marksheet. Instead, each college, university or employer states its own rule in its prospectus or notification. Common rules include:
- All subjects – every subject on the marksheet is counted.
- Best of five – the five highest-scoring subjects are counted. Some institutions require the language subject to be one of the five, so read the rule carefully.
- Specific subjects – for example, only the core subjects of a stream.
This calculator shows the all-subject percentage and, if you tick the box, the best-of-five percentage. If your subjects have different maximum marks, “best” is decided by each subject’s percentage score.
Examples
- Marks of 88, 92, 76, 81 and 95 out of 100 each give 432 / 500 = 86.4%.
- Add a sixth subject with 64 / 100: all six give 496 / 600 = 82.67%, while best of five drops the 64 and stays at 86.4%.
- If one subject is out of 80 marks (score 70) and four are out of 100 (scores 90, 85, 80, 75), the total is 400 / 480 = 83.33%.
Frequently asked questions
Are practical or internal marks included?
Yes, if they are part of the subject total printed on your marksheet. Enter the subject’s total marks and total maximum marks.
Does best of five always include English?
Not always. Some admission rules require a language in the best five; others do not. Follow the rule in the prospectus you are applying to.
What about additional (sixth) subjects?
Some institutions allow an additional subject to replace a weaker one; others ignore it. Check the official admission notice.
Is my data saved?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser.
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